Reckless criticism could ‘boomerang’ on Opposition: MDA advisor warns VPP

SHILLONG, July 25: Senior MDA-II leader Ampareen Lyngdoh on Saturday warned the Voice of the People Party (VPP) that reckless criticism is a “double-edged sword,” suggesting the opposition should address its own governance “errors” before lecturing the State or Centre on accountability.
Responding to the VPP’s attack on the Meghalaya government’s silence regarding the NEET-UG contro-versy and calls for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Lyngdoh said that while the opposition must hold those in power to account, it must do so responsibly.
Lyngdoh noted that the VPP failed to anticipate the level of accountability already being enforced at the Centre. She described the Union government’s recent actions as a demonstration that accountability is being handled, contrary to the opposition’s narrative.
The MDA-II adviser cautioned the VPP against making sweeping accusations, noting that all govern-ments face shortcomings during their tenure. She warned that the VPP’s high-decibel rhetoric could eventually “boomerang” if the party finds itself in power in the future.
Taking a direct swipe at the VPP’s performance in local governance, Lyngdoh alleged the party is already faltering in areas where it exercises authority, particularly in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
“Before pointing fingers at the Central government, the opposition should first examine whether it is effectively discharging the responsibilities entrusted to it in the institutions where it has been given a mandate,” Lyngdoh said.
She concluded that accountability should be the guiding principle for all political players, regardless of whether they are in the treasury or opposition benches.